2012 mazda mazda5 Model Overview

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3 of 5

The tidy Mazda5 offers more style than larger minivans, and remains mostly in a class of its own – at least until it is joined by the upcoming Ford C-Max people mover. Interior space is the primary reason for the Mazda5; it seats six people in three rows of seating in a footprint not much larger than the Mazda3 it’s based on. The second-row captain’s chairs are comfortable for adults, but the third-row is best left for small children. Rear seating is accessed through sliding rear doors. Fold the 50/50 third-row seats to expand cargo capacity.

The 2012 Mazda5 comes solely with the Mazda3’s 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, which replaces the last-generation’s 2.3-liter engine. The new engine can be had mated to a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.

Mazda’s mini-minivan comes with plenty of safety and convenience features standard, such as ABS brakes, traction and stability control, power locks and windows, AM/FM/CD audio, and automatic dual-zone climate control with air conditioning. Bluetooth, leather, CD changer, 17-inch wheels, moonroof and HID headlights are available.

Body style: Van

Engine: 2.5L I-4

Transmissions: 5-speed manual, 6-speed automatic

Models: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring

Everything. The Mazda5 is all-new for 2012 and debuts the short-lived Nagare styling. This styling theme will be replaced by the Kodo design language, which will debut on the 2013 CX-5 SUV. A larger 2.5-liter inline-four replaces last year’s 2.3-liter engine. The five-speed automatic transmission remains on Touring and Grand Touring models. The Sport’s manual transmission receives another cog for a total of six. Front and rear automatic climate control becomes standard.

The exterior of Mazda’s mini-minivan features the short-lived Nagare design-language. Nagare, which means “flow” in Japanese and refers to a natural or organic approach to design. Both rear side doors slide. All models feature fog lights and Grand Touring models gain HID headlights. A power moonroof is standard on Grand Touring and optional on Touring. All models get power side mirrors; Grand Touring mirrors are heated. Touring and Grand Touring models get lower rocker extensions and a rear roof-mounted spoiler is standard on Grand Touring.

The interior of the 2012 Mazda5 works well, and front seat armrests add a touch of comfort. Inside, you’ll find an abundance of cargo nets and storage compartments, including some under the second-row seats. Although cozier than full-size minivans, the Mazda5 offers seating for six in three rows. The second row accommodates two adults, but the third-row should be reserved for small children. Folding the third row flat opens cargo capacity up to 27.5 cubic feet total volume. Front and rear automatic climate control is standard. Bluetooth, leather, and multi-disc CD changer are available.

Mazda replaced the 2.3-liter of the previous model with the 157-horsepower 2.5-liter from the Mazda3 that cranks out 163 lb-ft of torque–a net gain of 4 and 15, respectively. The automatic transmission-equipped mini-minivan reaches 60 mph from a standstill in 9.1 seconds and clears the quarter-mile in 17.0 seconds at 81.5 mph. In comes to a halt from 60 mph in 128 feet. Its smaller size and responsive and communicative steering makes it more fun to throw around than a conventional minivan. The Mazda5 ran around Motor Trend’s figure-eight a tenth of a second faster than the last model we tested in 28.7 seconds.

Six airbags including front, front side impact and three-row side curtain airbags are standard. A crushable brake and accelerator pedal assembly, three-point seat belts for all seating positions and a tire pressure monitoring system are also standard. The Mazda5 also comes with standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), power brakes with front and rear discs, and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control (TC).

2012 Mazda Mazda5 Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$20,625

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$11,650

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

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